Afsaneh Narimani GradIEAust worked in Iran for eight years as an electrical design engineer. In 2013, she joined the Department of Electrical Engineering at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) as a Master of Engineering student. A year later, she was granted a transfer to PhD candidature. In September 2015, she obtained a Research Assistant position at QUT in collaboration with CSIRO, Brisbane. Afsaneh is an Associate Fellow of the Queensland Academy of Learning and Teaching and Vice President of the QUT IEEE Student Branch. She joined WoS this year as a Young Science Ambassador.

What is your current job title and function?

My current title is Research Assistant at QUT. My team works on generation expansion planning of the National Electricity Market and Queensland’s network to achieve the renewable energy target scheme.

Why did you choose engineering as a profession?

Engineering has always been a way to change the world and electric energy has an essential role in this change.

What does being a WoS Ambassador involve and what do you most enjoy about it?

Being a WoS Ambassador is a great opportunity to motivate young students to think systematically about ‘what’ is happening in the real world and investigate about ‘why’ things happen. I really enjoy finding out about the way an individual student thinks about a subject. Their innovation is really interesting to me.

Why are programs like WoS important for the engineering profession?

Such programs help students find their future career pathways. One of the main aims of the program is to help hidden talents shine.

Why did you decide to become an Engineers Australia member?

Engineers Australia membership is a way to connect with other engineers in the same area and benefit from professional development workshops and seminars. It is also a great way to develop one’s career to managerial levels.

If the whole world was listening, what would you say?

I would say ‘Global warming is serious!’

What’s the most recent present you bought yourself?

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. I really need it to help me live in the moment.

What is the most recent book you read?

Lying on the Couch by Irvin D. Yalom. This book is amazing. I recommend it to everyone.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Hiking, reading books, watching movies and cooking.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Calm, patient and organised!

If you could take a year off to study anything, what would it be?

I would study psychology. I really enjoy this subject. Books in this area help me know myself better.

How do you achieve work/life balance?

I try not to work on holidays, even though sometimes I have to do that! Also, I try to plan my free time to use it efficiently. In this way, I enjoy both work and holidays in a balanced way.

The Wonder of Science (WoS) educational program is building a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) culture in Queensland schools. Young Science Ambassadors are integral to the WoS approach. The Ambassadors are selected PhD candidates and early career researchers from Queensland’s leading universities. The Ambassadors visit participating schools, work with students on their challenge tasks and support them to develop a group presentation. Engineers Australia, Queensland is a proud Wonder of Science partner. Please email Robyn Bull if you are interested in becoming a Young Science Ambassador or if you would like to find out more about becoming a Wonder of Science industry partner.